Effect Definition & Meaning

effect
noun
  1. a phenomenon that follows and is caused by some previous phenomenon; "the magnetic effect was greater when the rod was lengthwise"; "his decision had depressing consequences for business"; "he acted very wise after the event"
  2. an outward appearance; "he made a good impression"; "I wanted to create an impression of success"; "she retained that bold effect in her reproductions of the original painting"
  3. an impression (especially one that is artificial or contrived); "he just did it for effect"
  4. the central meaning or theme of a speech or literary work
  5. (of a law) having legal validity; "the law is still in effect"
  6. a symptom caused by an illness or a drug; "the effects of sleep loss"; "the effect of the anesthetic"
verb
  1. produce; "The scientists set up a shock wave"
  2. act so as to bring into existence; "effect a change"

Synonyms for effect

burden noun

an onerous or difficult concern; "the burden of responsibility

♫ Rhymes ↔ Synonyms
consequence noun

a phenomenon that follows and is caused by some previous phenomenon

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core noun

a small group of indispensable persons or things

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effectuate verb

produce; "The scientists set up a shock wave"

♫ Rhymes
essence noun

the choicest or most essential or most vital part of some idea or experience; "the gist of the prosecutor's argument

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force noun

a powerful effect or influence; "the force of his eloquence easily persuaded them" (physics) the influence that

♫ Rhymes ↔ Synonyms
gist noun

the central meaning or theme of a speech or literary work the choicest or most essential or most vital part of some

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impression noun

a vague idea in which some confidence is placed; "his impression of her was favorable

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issue noun

an important question that is in dispute and must be settled

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outcome noun

something that results; "he listened for the results on the radio" a phenomenon that follows and is caused by some

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"Effect" in song lyrics

See how effect is used in real songs:

  • "Plan 1 is out, Plan 2 in effect"
    415 f/ Brotha Broski, Icee B — Ruthless is Reality
  • "the effect"
    51.50 — Stuck in the Game
  • "Yo, 7A3 goin cold into effect"
    The 7A3 — Goes Like Dis

Words that rhyme with effect

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Usage tips for "effect"

Understanding the precise definition of a word helps you use it with confidence. When using "effect" in your writing, consider whether you need the word itself or one of its synonyms — subtle differences in meaning can change the tone of a sentence. If you're writing poetry or song lyrics, check the rhymes for effect to find words that pair well.

Use "effect" in a verse

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♫ Rhymes with effect ↔ Synonyms for effect 🔬 Words containing effect

Frequently asked questions

What does effect mean?
a phenomenon that follows and is caused by some previous phenomenon; "the magnetic effect was greater when the rod was lengthwise"; "his decision had depressing consequences for business"; "he acted very wise after the event" an outward appearance; "he made a good impression"; "I wanted to create an impression of success"; "she retained that bold effect in her reproductions of the original painting" an impression (especially one that is artificial or contrived)
What part of speech is effect?
Effect is a noun and a verb.
How many definitions does effect have?
Effect has 8 definitions across 2 parts of speech (noun, verb).

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